JON NEILSON, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Jon graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies in 2012, then a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2015. Looking to expand his skill set, and broaden his ability to care for his patients, he went back to further his education once more and graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Utah in 2020. Prior to nursing school, Jon worked as a therapeutic preschool specialist at The Children’s Center in Salt Lake City which was ultimately the defining point that inspired him to seek a long-term career working with, and advocating for, children. He worked as a registered nurse at Primary Children’s Medical Center for over five years while working on his doctorate degree. Following graduation, he practiced family medicine for almost a year when he realized that pediatric and adolescent patients were the most fun and decided to switch to a pediatric care-focused clinic. Now he is excited to join Granger Pediatrics – Riverton and provide superior care for the children and adolescents of this rapidly growing community.

801.302.1700 sector and in the state will help forge relationships,” he added.

After speaking to some of his constituents and neighbors to gauge what issues are at the forefront of their minds, they shared their thoughts on what would help Riverton to improve. One such issue is reliable transportation. Pierucci says Riverton and surrounding areas would benefit more with enhanced transit services from the Utah Transit Authority. “Riverton gives a lot of money to UTA, but unfortunately we do not see any return on investment from it,” Pierucci said.

Another issue is keeping up with the pace of growth. Considering that Riverton is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, Pierucci feels that the city can improve in its ability to plan, ensuring that all of the city’s needs are met. “Riverton is in a good part of the state, and one of the fastest growing regions in the state. We are completely built out. What does our future look like as a city? As we do zone and planning, we cannot be arbitrary and capricious about it,” he said. Pierucci wants Riverton to be a place where the next generation of residents can grow and thrive.

Spencer Kellis, a friend of Pierucci, describes him as a “personable guy.” Kellis, a longtime resident of Riverton, has known Pierucci since they moved into the area in 2015.

“We knew Andy when they first came to the neighborhood eight years ago,” Kellis said. Kellis said that Pierucci has been involved in various positions in their local church helping plan activities for kids to young adults.

Kellis says that Pierucci is perfect for the current role because of his professional and personal experiences. “First, his educational training and background; Andy has gone to college and learned about public administration. The second is he has experience with working in the community as a volunteer and in a professional capacity. Third, he seeks to listen first and then act,” Kellis said.

Kellis actually ran a campaign to fill the seat that has been filled by Pierucci. When Kellis knew Pierucci was running, he was “relieved.”

“When I saw his name, I was relieved, because I knew that he was someone qualified to represent our district. We needed someone that has the experience and comportment for it,” Kellis said.

Recognizing the progress that has been made thus far, Kellis identified some challenges facing the district, namely the distinction of the district and its role in the city.

“I think Andy’s number one challenge will be the identity of our district. Our district sits on the outskirts of Riverton, and it will be important to make sure there’s cohesion with us and the rest of the city. Just to ensure the identity of the district can mesh well with the rest of the city. Another challenge will be continued growth and economic development happening in Riverton – to be able to analyze the growth that’s happening,” Kellis said.

According to Kellis, because this was a midterm vacancy, potential city council replacements are interviewed by the current sitting members of the city council. Two votes went to Pierucci and two votes went to another candidate. After a couple rounds of stalemate votes, Staggs was the tie-breaking vote.

Pierucci describes himself as a “fiscal conservative” which helps to guide what sort of economic policies would most benefit the city. He adopted this economic viewpoint during the 2008 financial crisis while he lived in Stockton, California, where he was born and raised.

He saw first-hand the detrimental effects of the 2008 depression in Stockton, which became one of the regions in the county that faced high unemployment. Even observing his neighbor at the time, who was the mayor, deal with the rippling effects of the financial downturn locally, struck a chord with him. “That experience has shaped my perspective of government and what government should be doing,” Pierucci said.

As a result of the economic hardships being felt on all sides, city services suffered. Parks and community places were not able to be upkept, even basic civil services were lessened to an extent to stave off expenditures and protect pocketbooks already stretched thin. “The people expect a certain service,” he added. Given the current economic situation with inflation, Pierucci knows that there are constituents in his district that are having a hard time staying afloat.

“The decisions we make today can affect our kids. I want to ensure that our community can live here and afford to stay,” Pierucci said.

Kellis says the best way for the community to support its leadership and continue the progress being made is by being involved.

“Bring ideas and observations to the council members, to themselves directly. Find ways that are appropriate for citizens to be involved through committees. If you simply join a social media group and complain, it doesn’t really help. Join a committee and be proactive in volunteering with the community,” Kellis said.

Pierucci completed his bachelor’s degree in political science from Utah State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Utah. He serves on the Utah Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and as a founding board member for the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association. Pierucci and his wife, Candice, a current Representative of the Utah House of Representatives from the 49th District, have called Riverton home since 2015. l